Number 3 Plastics: V (Vinyl) or PVC
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May release toxic breakdown products (including pthalates) into food and drinks. The risk is highest when containers start wearing out, are put through the dishwasher or when they are heated (including microwaved). |
Number 6 Plastics: PS (polystyrene)
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Can release potentially toxic breakdown products including styrene, particularly when heated! Watch for takeaway hot drinks. (See comments for more information). |
Number 7 Plastics: Miscellaneous
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Studies have shown polycarbonate can leach bisphenol A, a potential hormone disruptor, into liquids. |
Styrofoam is a trade name for polystyrene insulation that often is used incorrectly to describe foodservice products (plates, cups, meat trays) made from polystyrene foam. Polystyrene containers for food have been used safely for more than 50 years, having been tested and deemed safe by government agencies. Any minuscule amount of styrene that may migrate out of polystyrene containers into food is far too small to be of any health concern. Moreover, styrene occurs naturally in many foodstuffs, including cinnamon, beef, coffee and strawberries.
ReplyDeletePriscilla Briones for the Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC), Arlington, Virginia. SIRC (www.styrene.org) is a trade association representing interests of the North American styrene industry with its mission being the collection, development, analysis and communication of pertinent information on styrene.